February 24, 2014

Pioneering, Pathways and Portals: The Piscean New Moon

The difficulties you meet will resolve themselves as you advance. Proceed, and light will dawn, and shine with increasing clearness on your path. D’Alembert

There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth - not going all the way, and not starting. Buddha

On a long journey of human life, faith is the best of companions; it is the best refreshment on the journey; and it is the greatest property. Buddha

Awake, arise! Strive for the Highest, and be in the Light! Sages say the path is narrow and difficult to tread, narrow as the edge of a razor. Upanishads

Do not say, “I follow the one true path of the Spirit,” but rather, “I have found the Spirit walking on my path,” for the Spirit walks on all paths. Khalil Gibran

If you follow your bliss, you put yourself on a kind of track, which has been there all the while waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living. Joseph Campbell

How many roads can a man walk down before they call him a man? Bob Dylan

The Pisces new Moon, occurring on the 1st of March, will bring blessings to many people, especially those who understand what is being asked of them. There is a lovely trine to

Jupiter, the planet of abundance and blessings, as well as overdoing things, and a sextile to Pluto, the planet of power and change, and, accessing one's inner as well as outer resources. More than usual, this is a really good new Moon to make your affirmations and decisions and to assess what path you are on, whether to stay on that path or to make adjustments in the way things are going or where you are heading.

The Sabian Symbol for the new Moon is Pisces 11: Men Traveling A Narrow Path, Seeking Illumination. The following is from my book The Sabian Oracle: 360 Degrees Of Wisdom:

‘Men Traveling a Narrow Path, Seeking Illumination’ is an image of people on a mission, seeking to find some knowledge or truth. They are on a journey of discovery, endeavoring to find the answers to questions that may have eluded them until now. They are ‘Traveling a Narrow Path’, one that probably has deep meaning, regardless of the perceived outcome in terms of society’s expectations. This journey is likely to be a very personal one for each participant, even though there may be many who are ‘Seeking’ the same things.

Sometimes the search for ‘Illumination’, with its high levels of understanding and idealism, places us at odds with more conservative, social expectations. It is the ability to persevere with the search, regardless of the cost, that marks the sincerity of a journey. Most often this quest is ‘Illuminating’, although it can sometimes be confusing as new information comes flooding into our conscious awareness. You will need to reject that which is unworthy on the ‘Path’ as it could lead to disillusionment about values and what is truly worth pursuing. This Symbol can indicate the need to go without many things and having to stick to a strict agenda in order to accomplish a task, goal or education. It may have taken some time to find this particular direction in life. Disregarding one’s more mundane physical needs and emotions may be necessary in the quest for getting to the place of ambition or attainment. You may have to leave others behind when you set out. As this is a ‘Narrow Path’, not all can share the same endeavor or, indeed, would want to. The rewards are usually rich in some measure as one moves towards the light - the ‘Illumination’. Maybe you should ask yourself – are you on ‘a Path’ or a treadmill? Be wary of taking shortcuts, as these may not lead to the thing that’s intended.

Keywords: People “on the Path”. Sticking to one mindset, diet, regimen or habit. Having a cause to follow. Not looking sideways. Awakening one’s base senses in order to progress. Physical ecstasy. Being in the now. Going towards the light. Staying true to self. The promise of light at the end of the journey.

The Caution: Blinded by the light. Not knowing where you’re really going. Disillusionment about what’s been chosen. Being one-eyed about goals and beliefs. The denial of physical pleasure. Puritanical behavior. Distractions that stop forward movement. Narrow mindedness.

The Karmic Condition (the degree before) this new Moon is Pisces 10: An Aviator In The Clouds. Up until the new Moon, there may be a feeling of having to rise above everything in order to get a bird's eye view of what is going on. You may also feel the need to remove yourself from people, places, events, memories, etc, and to see them from a somewhat heightened or 'uninvolved' perspective.

Keywords: Elevated views. Always seeing the best in people and things. Peace and tranquility. The longing for transcendence. Not seeing limitations. Being in a refined “head space”. Mastery. Flight, planes, pilots. Avoidance of time constraints. Pollyanna attitudes. Free flights of fantasy and escapism. The need for accurate navigation. Being in charge of the controls. Seeking higher truths. Maps. Compasses. Global satellite positioning.

The Quest Symbol (the degree after) of this New Moon is one where we may feel we are 'being judged', having to live up to the expectations of others, or, as though we are somehow being 'examined' by life, love, events, people, etc. This is something we may need to work on, integrate and let go of. We are meant to stay on our paths, that is the true thrust of what's going on. Meanwhile, we may wonder how we are going in amongst the 'tests and trials' we may be experiencing.

The Quest Symbol is Pisces 12: An Examination Of Initiates In The Sanctuary Of An Occult Brotherhood.

Keywords: The ordeal that comes to any initiate for entrance into higher realms of being. Hermits. Tests, examinations, having to prove oneself. Being judged or being judgmental. Being cross-examined. Rarefied atmospheres that demand personal sacrifice. Initiations. Proving courage and purity by passing tests and trials. The attainment of knowledge in a particular field. Apprenticeships. Being a candidate. Finding out how and where one fits in. One-eyed dedication. Trial by media.

The Caution: Refusing advice. Arrogance. People saying “I told you so”. People invading other’s private space. Hiding away because of fear or social ridicule. Severe trials and tests that strip the joy of life. People assuming they know the truth about others. Fear of failure. Not living up to other’s expectations. Narrow mindedness.

Neptune, the ruler of this Piscean new Moon, is conjunct (with a separation of 4 degrees) the new Moon. It's on Pisces 6: A Parade Of Army Officers In Full Dress. This can show pomp and ceremony, the need to 'dress-up', to dress the part, to put on your 'uniform' and get to work. Of course, it can also show issues around who is in charge, who is calling the shots, blowing their 'military' horn or bossing or bullying others.

What a curious phenomenon it is that you can get men to die for the liberty of the world who will not make the little sacrifice that is needed to free themselves from their own individual bondage. Bruce Barton

Pressed into service means pressed out of shape. Robert Frost

Keywords: National pride on display. Reminders of those putting life and limb on the line for kin and country. Uniforms, hats. People seeking recognition from the community, regardless of what they’ve personally achieved. Patriotism. Memories of war. Being committed to service. Medals. Stripes. Uniformity. Grinning and bearing it. Projecting the “right image”. Drills and routines. Displays of courage. Assembling together. Braiding and piping. Spit and polish. Parades and marching. Police and law enforcement. Guns and bayonets. The importance of looking good.

The Caution: “Stiff” and unfeeling displays. Having special privileges that other’s don’t. Doing what one must do. Hiding behind a façade. Not being prepared, or able, to show one’s true self. Drills and boring routines. “Drill sergeants” who scream and shout. People parading their importance. False courage. Taking the glory away from the little people. Wearing anything.

With Neptune here, all kinds of illusions and misleading things can be going on regarding just who is in charge, or entitled to be in charge or calling the shots (so to speak).

Jupiter is on Cancer 11: A Clown Is Caricaturing Well-Known Personalities. This is the degree of the actor Robin Williams' Sun - not that that has anything to do with it, but it may give you an idea about this Symbol. We may need to adapt a light-hearted attitude, to see the fun in things, to be able to transcend the pain we may experience in order to put on a lighter, brighter face. This is a good degree for Jupiter, as long as we don't stray too far from our authentic selves. We may also get to see through other people's 'charades' with this Symbol - some people and situations are 'unmasked' when this degree is around.

The Caution: Being foolish in the face of positive potential. Trying to cover up reality through buffoonery. Being constantly “on stage”. Living vicariously. Inauthentic behavior. Not having the courage to display one’s true self. Putting on a face to manipulate or fool others. Irritating behavior that wears thin after a while. Being the laughing stock.

Jupiter is exactly trining this new Moon, which is a really good omen for some light relief and lovely things to come. Many will feel lighter, more optimistic, more buoyed, supported and generous. Many good things can come from this trine, but it may pay to be a little cautious and to not put that downpayment on that boat or overseas holiday that you may not really be able to afford in the long run. Also, watch for overeating - we can expand with Jupiter in Cancer as it is, without the trine from the new Moon.

Mercury is on Aquarius 19: A Forest Fire Finally Quenched. Mercury is stationing direct, which means that it is going forward after being retrograde for three weeks. Do I hear a hip-hip-hooray? This degree is highly emphasised as Mercury will hang around on it for several days. This can be a moment of breathing out after a fairly long time of holding one's breath. Hopefully, the 'fires' in your life can be extinguished. This can refer to letting go of anger, taking up new opportunities out of the ashes of the old, being able to get on top of things that may have seemed daunting and insurmountable, or, you could feel like it's time to finally let something go that is taking up way too much 'oxygen' in your life.

Keywords: Exuberant feelings that come after struggles. Calming down. Coming out of an experience with a new sense of commitment or a new understanding of consequences. Getting a bee in your bonnet. Spot fires and the need to control them. Jubilation and release after hard labor. Fighting for control. Sparks getting out of control. Events taking off in all directions. Sexual energy and the containment of it. Ideas that get whipped up and take off at high speed. The ferocity of nature. The calm after the storm.

The Caution: Giving up too soon and losing it all. Self-defeating delight in drama. Looking back on a situation that got out of control and produced a lot of rubble. Destructive passions. Losing one’s spark. Running out of fuel.

We have been rather sorely pressed by Mercury over the last four or five weeks. Some of the more difficult degrees in Aquarius were highlighted. For instance, Mercury was on Aquarius 21: A Woman Disappointed And Disillusioned, Facing A Seemingly Empty Life for several days this last week and it will be on it for a number of days after the new Moon. This is a test of our faith, a test of our belief in life and what we have and what we can have and be. This is mentioned not to put a dampener on things, but to help illustrate for those who may have been feeling exceptionally down or disillusioned or rather defeated - this Symbol can bring up those feelings. It will pass... remember that trine from Jupiter! It is bigger than Mercury in terms of effects, but Mercury is the trickster and he can have us wondering why we are so up and down, up and down. Use the 'fire-extinguisher' to put out any spot fires (moments of almost self-immolation) and to bring back a sense of control. Not always easy... some may have to turn their backs on something that once felt important, valuable or permanent.

Venus is on Capricorn 27: A Mountain Pilgrimage. Venus is just now coming out of its retrograde shadow, so the retrograde motion of Venus is now coming to an end. We are now exploring new territory and we are being asked to 'make it up the mountain'. This Symbol is rather reflective of the Men Traveling A Narrow Path and the Examination Of Initiates of the new Moon. These are all degrees of striving to be better, to go further, to make a mark, to be more and more, to climb that mountain. For some, this is a lonely journey and one that you need to be 'prepared' for. The atmosphere can be rarefied and you may find yourself needing more of that oxygen that Mercury's path has possibly knocked out of you.

Venus' retrograde journies, particularly this last one in Capricorn, can really feel like a time spent in the wilderness - forty days and forty nights of wondering where the heck you are, especially in terms of your values, relationships, finances, sense of self. Soon, Venus will go into Aquarius and the mood will lighten. It's not that there's anything 'wrong' with Venus in Capricorn, it's more that it can be a bit demanding, harsh and a bit hard around the edges and the retrograde period can see Venus somewhat disappearing.

Venus went retrograde right before Christmas on Capricorn 29: A Woman Reading Tea Leaves - we are being asked to see things we might not normally see - to see messages that are around us but might have previously gone unnoticed. Now that it is going direct and going back over this degree a few days after this new Moon, we get to pick up on those things we may have missed.

Mars is on Libra 28: A Man Alone In Deep Gloom, Unnoticed, Angels Are Coming To His Aid. Mars is going retrograde right on the new Moon, and, curiously, it is going retrograde almost exactly square to where Venus went retrograde. Mars will be retrograde until May 20. Mars is not comfortable in Libra, Mars likes to be energetic, determined and courageous. Mars here is a bit more like the cartoon chipmunks Alvin and Theodore - "you first, no you first, no you first"... There can be strong need to assert ourselves, but then again a strong need to care for others and for what they want and need. We may find ourselves vacillating and wondering where our forward drive has gone. Mars will be in Libra until the end of July, when it moves into Scorpio where it is a far happier chappy.

Mars in Libra, especially retrograde, can have people hanging onto their feelings for fear of upsetting others and then, if the pressure grows too strong, it can be like a pressure cooker that explodes, sometimes at the wrong times. The best thing to do is to let go of pent up energies or be aware that we may be hanging onto things that are really projections or mirrors of what is really going on.

Keywords: Feelings of not being alone. Awareness of spiritual help in times of need. Salvation versus depression. Feeling like one’s luck is about to change. Improvements in the pipeline. Changes in the “weather”. Helpers arriving just when they’re needed. Brightening influences. Angels and spiritual forces for good.

The Caution: Unrealistic reliance on spiritual agencies or help from others. Feeling like no one cares or that no one is listening. Being alone and forgotten. Losing faith in things getting better. Refusing help. Misery and gloom and doom.

Saturn is on Scorpio 24: Crowds Coming Down The Mountain To Listen To One Inspired Man. This can have some feeling that that they are not being listened to - that their ideas, desires, objectives or needs are being ignored. This can be a painful thing, but there is also hope in that another side of Saturn on this degree can see people getting their thoughts and plans together and writing them down or formulating them in a way that can be used later. Saturn, as with Mars, is turning retrograde right at the beginning of March. This be rather frustrating, but a lot can be achieved by getting organised, throwing things out, getting rid of the unnecessary in your life, consolidating your assets or belongings, etc. This is a time for knuckling down and getting things done, even if it's more on an internal level than externally.

I have long seen this degree of the Crowds Listening To One Inspired Man denoting people in positions of power such as presidents, prime ministers, ministers of government, senators, priests, etc, and with Saturn here, there can be a loss of faith in these people, in many cases a continued loss of faith (it's been happening for a long time) and some shut off from listening to others. Positions of authority may be questioned, and there can be lies exposed, etc.

On a more esoteric level, this Symbol can represent religious leaders.

Keywords: Power to sway the feelings and thoughts of many. The ability to draw a large audience. The Jesus story. Giving one’s power away to those who apparently have more authority. Charisma. Having a large audience. The minds and the ears of the many. Oratory skills. Gurus.

The Caution: Naiveté, gullibility. Feeling like someone else holds all the answers, but you don’t. Situations that smack of guru mentality. Idolatry and the manipulation that can result from it. Never knowing when to keep quiet. Forcing ideas on others when they don’t really want to listen. Not letting anyone else get a word in. Demanding attention. Feeling higher and mightier than everyone else.

Uranus is on Aries 11: The President Of The Country Or The Ruler Of The Republic. Uranus here is asking that we take charge of our lives, to be our own authority, to seize power and direct our own affairs. It also, of course, again, reflects leaders of countries, presidents and prime ministers, so there are likely to be more coups or difficulties and falls from grace with politicians and rulers. On a more personal level, Uranus here brings about a strong urge to break through restrictions, and, sometimes, to break the rules. Uranus on this degree is an interesting juxtaposition to Saturn on The Crowds Coming Down The Mountain To Listen To One Man.

Keywords: Developing willpower. Inner power and integrity. Discipline of thoughts, emotions and actions. Leadership, power and ability along with their responsibilities. Accepting responsibility for one’s actions. “Calling the shots”. Rulers, presidents, leaders. Taking charge. The need for loyal subjects.

The Caution: Taking control. Lording it over everyone. Being overbearing. Not allowing others to be in charge of their own lives, health or situation. Egotistical and self-centered. Undermining others through a lack of self-awareness or confidence. Being larger than life. Dictators and tyrants.

Pluto is on Capricorn 14: An Ancient Bas-Relief Carved In Granite Remains A Witness To A Long-Forgotten Culture. I heard about this on the radio today - the worlds oldest gem ever found shows life could have formed on our planet earlier than anyone thought possible. See the link for the story.

Part of the message of Pluto on this degree is to let go of things from the past, while taking the useful and essential forward into the future. Pluto here, though, can bring up the past in ways that make things go over and over and over in your mind.

Keywords: Anonymous immortality. Things written or carved in stone, or concrete. Permanent records. Clues from the past. Things that should be shaped and changed with the times. Pieces of art or sculpture. Things that belong in a museum. Inscriptions and carvings. Ancient civilizations and their relics.

The Caution: Limitations that don’t allow for changes. Old and outworn situations. Things carved in stone that cannot, or will not, ever change. Memories out of the past that keep one frozen in time. Feeling stuck, like no growth is possible. Frigidity of feelings because of things that have happened.

Chiron, the Wounded Healer and The Stories We Tell Ourselves is on Pisces 14: A Lady Wrapped In Fox Fur. This Symbol speaks of beauty, intelligence and wit. With Chiron there, people may feel a need to get more in touch with their 'animal' or more nature-spirit side. The Moon and then the Sun will both pass over Chiron soon after the new Moon, giving us a chance to take a good look at the stories that are running our realities and our lives.

Keywords: Outer expressions of real inner worth. Animal magnetism and attraction. Intelligence and its display. Cloaks of feminine wit and sexuality. Beguiling minds. Animal totems and furs. Perceived beauty. The sense of having class and money. Beauty, fashion and talent. Being forward and upfront. Sense of personal style. Grace and composure. Elegance. Knowing what to say and when. Dressing up. Money spent on beauty. Tempting others with sexual signals. Perfumes. Pheromones. Taxidermy. Being furnished with the things you want or need.

The Caution: False fronts and expressions of wealth. Selling out for momentary, or monetary, gain. Wrapped in intellectual superficiality. The fatal allure of beauty. Scoring points solely through charisma. Being so caught up in fashion and glamour that one loses a true sense of self. Being overdressed.

The Moon's north node has recently changed signs and is now in Libra. The Sabian Symbol is Libra 30: Three Mounds Of Knowledge On A Philosopher's Head. This Symbol points to teaching, learning, analysis and the exchange of knowledge. Mars is conjunct the Moon's node, which, again, could bring up a lot of issues from the past, especially unresolved issues that can bring up anger or strong emotional responses.

(This little guy to the right is ready, set and willing to conquer the world now he has his ammonia ammo crash helmet on and I have a strong suspicion that cats are amongst the wisest philosophers. :) )

Keywords: Look to the signs. Wisdom that transcends book knowledge. Philosophy. Having a knowledgeable demeanor. Being an impressive figure. Making wise decisions regardless of hard-line opinion. The head, skull or cranium. Knowledge directed to intellectual or spiritual goals. Predicting the future. An appearance that shows obvious intelligence. Wit. Style. Seeing potential in others.

The Caution: Analyzing things too much and reliance on intellect. Being a “know-it-all”. Having a bossy attitude. Thinking that doesn’t clarify issues but muddies them. Taking things far too seriously.

This new Moon feels a bit like an oasis in amongst fairly gnarly lunations (new and full Moons). The trine to Jupiter is promising, especially if we keep connected to our sense of faith and the goodness of people and life.

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